"To understand how chiropractic can help with sinus and allergy problems, you must first learn the difference between the two”; says Dr. Christopher McNulty.
"Many people have a hypersensitivity, or allergy, to certain substances such as pollens, cat dander, or mold spores", he explains. "Various types of pollen have been causing trouble for a lot of people during the past couple of months, and it's not over yet."
Allergy sufferers find that regular chiropractic adjustments and acupuncture can complement the care of an allergy specialist by helping keep their immune system in tip-top order. Many times an allergy specialist is not even needed.
"Various types of pollen have been causing trouble for a lot of people during the past couple of months, and it's not over yet."
On the other hand, chronic sinus trouble or sinusitis occurs because the mucus membranes swell and block drainage of the sinuses into the nasal cavity. While pollen and other such substances do not cause the problem, they can aggravate it, which explains why many people are prone to sinus trouble during the peak pollen seasons of spring and fall. The sinuses are spaces in the bones of the forehead, cheeks, and para-nasal area. They are lined with mucus membranes, which filter pollutants from the air we breathe and help keep it moist and warm.
"The functioning of the mucus membranes is controlled by nerves coming from the neck," says Dr. McNulty. "If you have a pinched nerve in this area, the mucus membranes can't filter all the irritants out, and you wind up with inflamed sinuses. Spinal adjustments can work on those pinched nerves to alleviate the problem. Plus, we can help flush the sinuses out with acupuncture points for the sinuses. The points are located on the forehead and near the nose and eyes and on the arms and can be treated with a needle less method."
Many symptoms of sinusitis are easy to recognize: "postnasal drip," a stuffy head, and swollen eyes. Sinus trouble can also cause headache, pain in the cheekbones, jaw, or teeth; chills and fever; dizziness; loss of appetite; sensitivity to light; bad breath; a general "down" feeling; even depression.
If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, don't just grit your teeth and resolve to "suffer through" the problem. Give us a call and let us check you out. We'll recommend the most appropriate course of treatment for you, whether its chiropractic care, acupuncture, special medical care, or a combination approach.
"It's worth it to find out what the problem is and treat it correctly," Dr. McNulty says. "We've had people tell us they didn't realize how much their sinus problems were affecting their daily lives, until they found relief and felt normal again."
Remember...Try Chiropractic and Acupuncture First!
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Friday, October 10, 2008
Travel Aches and Strains Can Be a Pain in Your Back
Traveling can be rough on the body. Whether you are traveling alone on business or on your way to a sunny resort with your family, long hours in a car or an airplane can leave you stressed, tired, stiff and sore.
"Prolonged sitting can wreak havoc on your body," says Dr. McNulty. “While seated, there is twice the pressure on your spine than when standing and moving around.”
Dr. McNulty and the ACA suggest the following tips and advice to fight the pains and strains of travel before they occur.
Warm Up, Cool Down
Treat travel as an athletic event. Warm up before settling into a car or plane, and cool down once you reach your destination. Take a brisk walk to stretch your hamstring and calf muscles.
In the Car:
• Adjust the seat so you are as close to the steering wheel and as comfortably as possible. Your knees should be slightly higher than your hips. Place four fingers behind the back of your thigh closest to your knee. If you cannot easily slide your fingers in and out of that space, you need to re-adjust your seat.
• Consider a back support. Using a support behind your back may reduce the risk of low-back strain, pain or injury. The widest part of the support should be between the bottom of your rib cage and your waistline.
• Exercise your legs while driving to reduce the risk of any swelling, fatigue or discomfort. Open your toes as wide as you can, and count to 10. Count to five while you tighten your calf muscles, then your thigh muscles, then your gluteal muscles. Roll your shoulders forward and back, making sure to keep your hands on the steering wheel and your eyes on the road.
• To minimize arm and hand tension while driving, hold the steering wheel at approximately 3 o'clock and 7 o'clock, periodically switching to 10 o'clock and 5 o'clock.
• Do not grip the steering wheel. Instead, tighten and loosen your grip to improve hand circulation and decrease muscle fatigue in the arms, wrists and hands.
• While always being careful to keep your eyes on the road, vary your focal point while driving to reduce the risk of eye fatigue and tension headaches.
• Take rest breaks. Never underestimate the potential consequences of fatigue to yourself, your passengers and other drivers.
In an Airplane:
• Stand up straight and feel the normal "S" curve of your spine. Then use rolled-up pillows or blankets to maintain that curve when you sit in your seat. Tuck a pillow behind your back and just above the beltline and lay another pillow across the gap between your neck and the headrest. If the seat is hollowed from wear, use folded blankets to raise your buttocks a little.
• Check all bags heavier than 5-10 percent of your body weight. Overhead lifting of any significant amount of weight should be avoided to reduce the risk of pain in the lower back or neck. While lifting your bags, stand right in front of the overhead compartment so the spine is not rotated. Do not lift your bags over your head, or turn or twist your head and neck in the process.
• When stowing belongings under the seat, do not force the object with an awkward motion using your legs, feet or arms. This may cause muscle strain or spasms in the upper thighs and lower back muscles. Instead, sit in your seat first, and using your hands and feet, gently guide your bags under the seat directly in front of you.
• While seated, vary your position occasionally to improve circulation and avoid leg cramps. Massage legs and calves. Bring your legs in, and move your knees up and down. Prop your legs up on a book or a bag under your seat.
• Do not sit directly under the air controls. The draft can increase tension in your neck and shoulder muscles.
Safe Travel For Children:
• Always use a car seat in a car when traveling with children below the age of 4 and weighing less than 40 pounds.
• Ask the airline for their policy on child car seat safety. Car seats for infants and toddlers provide added resistance to turbulent skies, and are safer than the lap of a parent in the event of an unfortunate accident.
• Make sure the car seat is appropriate for the age and size of the child. A newborn infant requires a different seat than a 3-year-old toddler.
• Car seats for infants should always face the rear. In this position, the forces and impact of a crash will be spread more evenly along the back and shoulders, providing more protection for the neck.
• Car seats should always be placed in the back seat of the car-ideally in the center. This is especially important in cars equipped with air bags. If an air bag becomes deployed, the force could seriously injure or kill a child or infant placed in the front seat.
• Make sure the car seat is properly secured to the seat of the vehicle and is placed at a 45-degree angle to support the head of the infant or child.
Dr. McNulty Can Help...
The best advice I can give is to recommend a few adjustments before going on the trip. It’s a lot like warming up for a race. You never want to just start running. You must warm up and stretch first. An adjustment before traveling is the same as warming up for a race. It’s definitely worth the 5 minutes it takes to stop into the office to get treated so that you will not be in pain and suffer while on your vacation or business trip. Let Dr. McNulty worry about your aches and pains so you can just relax and enjoy yourself.
Remember to try Chiropractic and Acupuncture!
Christopher McNulty, DC
704-788-1895
"Prolonged sitting can wreak havoc on your body," says Dr. McNulty. “While seated, there is twice the pressure on your spine than when standing and moving around.”
Dr. McNulty and the ACA suggest the following tips and advice to fight the pains and strains of travel before they occur.
Warm Up, Cool Down
Treat travel as an athletic event. Warm up before settling into a car or plane, and cool down once you reach your destination. Take a brisk walk to stretch your hamstring and calf muscles.
In the Car:
• Adjust the seat so you are as close to the steering wheel and as comfortably as possible. Your knees should be slightly higher than your hips. Place four fingers behind the back of your thigh closest to your knee. If you cannot easily slide your fingers in and out of that space, you need to re-adjust your seat.
• Consider a back support. Using a support behind your back may reduce the risk of low-back strain, pain or injury. The widest part of the support should be between the bottom of your rib cage and your waistline.
• Exercise your legs while driving to reduce the risk of any swelling, fatigue or discomfort. Open your toes as wide as you can, and count to 10. Count to five while you tighten your calf muscles, then your thigh muscles, then your gluteal muscles. Roll your shoulders forward and back, making sure to keep your hands on the steering wheel and your eyes on the road.
• To minimize arm and hand tension while driving, hold the steering wheel at approximately 3 o'clock and 7 o'clock, periodically switching to 10 o'clock and 5 o'clock.
• Do not grip the steering wheel. Instead, tighten and loosen your grip to improve hand circulation and decrease muscle fatigue in the arms, wrists and hands.
• While always being careful to keep your eyes on the road, vary your focal point while driving to reduce the risk of eye fatigue and tension headaches.
• Take rest breaks. Never underestimate the potential consequences of fatigue to yourself, your passengers and other drivers.
In an Airplane:
• Stand up straight and feel the normal "S" curve of your spine. Then use rolled-up pillows or blankets to maintain that curve when you sit in your seat. Tuck a pillow behind your back and just above the beltline and lay another pillow across the gap between your neck and the headrest. If the seat is hollowed from wear, use folded blankets to raise your buttocks a little.
• Check all bags heavier than 5-10 percent of your body weight. Overhead lifting of any significant amount of weight should be avoided to reduce the risk of pain in the lower back or neck. While lifting your bags, stand right in front of the overhead compartment so the spine is not rotated. Do not lift your bags over your head, or turn or twist your head and neck in the process.
• When stowing belongings under the seat, do not force the object with an awkward motion using your legs, feet or arms. This may cause muscle strain or spasms in the upper thighs and lower back muscles. Instead, sit in your seat first, and using your hands and feet, gently guide your bags under the seat directly in front of you.
• While seated, vary your position occasionally to improve circulation and avoid leg cramps. Massage legs and calves. Bring your legs in, and move your knees up and down. Prop your legs up on a book or a bag under your seat.
• Do not sit directly under the air controls. The draft can increase tension in your neck and shoulder muscles.
Safe Travel For Children:
• Always use a car seat in a car when traveling with children below the age of 4 and weighing less than 40 pounds.
• Ask the airline for their policy on child car seat safety. Car seats for infants and toddlers provide added resistance to turbulent skies, and are safer than the lap of a parent in the event of an unfortunate accident.
• Make sure the car seat is appropriate for the age and size of the child. A newborn infant requires a different seat than a 3-year-old toddler.
• Car seats for infants should always face the rear. In this position, the forces and impact of a crash will be spread more evenly along the back and shoulders, providing more protection for the neck.
• Car seats should always be placed in the back seat of the car-ideally in the center. This is especially important in cars equipped with air bags. If an air bag becomes deployed, the force could seriously injure or kill a child or infant placed in the front seat.
• Make sure the car seat is properly secured to the seat of the vehicle and is placed at a 45-degree angle to support the head of the infant or child.
Dr. McNulty Can Help...
The best advice I can give is to recommend a few adjustments before going on the trip. It’s a lot like warming up for a race. You never want to just start running. You must warm up and stretch first. An adjustment before traveling is the same as warming up for a race. It’s definitely worth the 5 minutes it takes to stop into the office to get treated so that you will not be in pain and suffer while on your vacation or business trip. Let Dr. McNulty worry about your aches and pains so you can just relax and enjoy yourself.
Remember to try Chiropractic and Acupuncture!
Christopher McNulty, DC
704-788-1895
Sunday, April 27, 2008
How to reduce muscle soreness in the garden
Gardeners, The big season for planting is just ahead. Does the thought of it make your muscles ache?
The American Chiropractic Association recently issued advice intended to reduce sore backs, aching joints and muscle pain among gardeners. A Harris poll taken in 2003 reported that gardening is the leading cause of muscle strain and soreness, after sports. The poll said that 59% of gardeners experienced muscle pain as a result of gardening.
The Association has this advice:
(1)Warm up first with five minutes of low-intensity physical activity such as walking, jogging in place or riding a stationary bike. Follow this with stretching.
(2)Kneel, don't bend. Avoid squatting and bending as much as possible. Instead, kneel on a soft cushion or a stack of towels.
Consider raised beds for your plants, which bring them closer to hand and eliminate the need to bend while tending.
(3)Roll heavy objects, don't carry them. Use a wheelbarrow for hauling heavy objects such as bagged mulch. Always load materials using the power in your legs to lift. Grasp objects while squatting, and then lift them by raising your entire body, keeping your weight balanced on both legs and your head straight.
(4)Use a timer. Become aware of your body's position by setting a kitchen timer. Bring it outside and set it for 15-minute intervals. Once the timer goes off, take a break and do some stretches or another task that uses a different set of muscles. Stretches will help restore blood flow and prevent cramping or muscle spasms.
(5)Buy ergonomic tools. Before purchasing a new tool, imitate the motions you'll use in the garden. Make sure the equipment is not too heavy, too short or too long for you to use comfortably. Look for hand tools with foam-covered handles.
(6)Drink Plenty of water. Sweating depletes you body's water supply and can lead t0 dehydration.
Christopher McNulty, DC
7044-788-1895
The American Chiropractic Association recently issued advice intended to reduce sore backs, aching joints and muscle pain among gardeners. A Harris poll taken in 2003 reported that gardening is the leading cause of muscle strain and soreness, after sports. The poll said that 59% of gardeners experienced muscle pain as a result of gardening.
The Association has this advice:
(1)Warm up first with five minutes of low-intensity physical activity such as walking, jogging in place or riding a stationary bike. Follow this with stretching.
(2)Kneel, don't bend. Avoid squatting and bending as much as possible. Instead, kneel on a soft cushion or a stack of towels.
Consider raised beds for your plants, which bring them closer to hand and eliminate the need to bend while tending.
(3)Roll heavy objects, don't carry them. Use a wheelbarrow for hauling heavy objects such as bagged mulch. Always load materials using the power in your legs to lift. Grasp objects while squatting, and then lift them by raising your entire body, keeping your weight balanced on both legs and your head straight.
(4)Use a timer. Become aware of your body's position by setting a kitchen timer. Bring it outside and set it for 15-minute intervals. Once the timer goes off, take a break and do some stretches or another task that uses a different set of muscles. Stretches will help restore blood flow and prevent cramping or muscle spasms.
(5)Buy ergonomic tools. Before purchasing a new tool, imitate the motions you'll use in the garden. Make sure the equipment is not too heavy, too short or too long for you to use comfortably. Look for hand tools with foam-covered handles.
(6)Drink Plenty of water. Sweating depletes you body's water supply and can lead t0 dehydration.
Christopher McNulty, DC
7044-788-1895
Friday, December 7, 2007
How old should a person be before he or she begins Chiropractic care?
There is no such thing as to young or to old for Chiropractic care. Chiropractic patients range in years from birth to old age. Regardless of age, vertebrae can become misaligned. If vertebrae become misaligned it can cause pressure or irritation to nerves thus causing them to malfunction. This process is known as a "Subluxation".
When should I start my child tinder Chiropractic care?
Your child should have a chiropractic examination as soon after birth as possible. Spinal trauma to an infant's or child's spine can occur during the birth process as well as from any number of tumbles while learning to sit up or walk. Your child's spine grows almost 50% in length during that first year (the equivalent of a six-footer growing to nine feet in just 12 months!). It's this kind of tremendous growth and developmental changes, which make continued chiropractic examinations so important in the early stages of your child's life.
In Chiropractic we believe its much more important to prevent diseases than wait till illness occurs. Through regular adjustments, as well as awareness on proper diet, exercise and posture, Chiropractic can help you raise a child free of subluxations whose body is structurally and functionally sound. Your child will also learn good health habits at an early age, which can be very beneficial to him or her as an adult.
Youngsters suffer numerous accidents and falls while learning to walk, riding a bike, or even while jumping or running around. But after their tears have dried, underlying injuries could go undetected--such as a subluxation during the spine's most formative period.
Regular Chiropractic spinal exams can provide corrective and preventive care for your son or daughter and peace of mind for you.
It is especially important to have your child under chiropractic care when your child takes part in athletic activities. The "sack" of a young quarterback could twist a young spine. A softball pitcher could throw a vertebra out of alignment. In Chiropractic we can do more than correct these problems, we can also help improve performance on and off the field by helping the body function at its optimum level, naturally without stress and without drugs.
When should I start my child tinder Chiropractic care?
Your child should have a chiropractic examination as soon after birth as possible. Spinal trauma to an infant's or child's spine can occur during the birth process as well as from any number of tumbles while learning to sit up or walk. Your child's spine grows almost 50% in length during that first year (the equivalent of a six-footer growing to nine feet in just 12 months!). It's this kind of tremendous growth and developmental changes, which make continued chiropractic examinations so important in the early stages of your child's life.
In Chiropractic we believe its much more important to prevent diseases than wait till illness occurs. Through regular adjustments, as well as awareness on proper diet, exercise and posture, Chiropractic can help you raise a child free of subluxations whose body is structurally and functionally sound. Your child will also learn good health habits at an early age, which can be very beneficial to him or her as an adult.
Youngsters suffer numerous accidents and falls while learning to walk, riding a bike, or even while jumping or running around. But after their tears have dried, underlying injuries could go undetected--such as a subluxation during the spine's most formative period.
Regular Chiropractic spinal exams can provide corrective and preventive care for your son or daughter and peace of mind for you.
It is especially important to have your child under chiropractic care when your child takes part in athletic activities. The "sack" of a young quarterback could twist a young spine. A softball pitcher could throw a vertebra out of alignment. In Chiropractic we can do more than correct these problems, we can also help improve performance on and off the field by helping the body function at its optimum level, naturally without stress and without drugs.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Chiropractic Care Increases Immunity and Decreases Illness
Spinal adjustments can have a positive effect on immune function according to a growing number of researchers who are exploring the common denominators in disease process, and the role of the nervous, immune and hormonal systems in development of immune related illnesses.
Chiropractic care corrects the spinal abnormalities called vertebral subluxations that result in interference of the nervous system by placing pressure on nerves. Since the nervous system controls all functions of the body, including the immune system, chiropractic care can have a positive effect on immune function.
Since its inception, the chiropractic community has asserted that viruses and microbes don't threaten us all equally and that a healthy immune system easily repels most invaders. The immune system protects us from the flu, as well as any other infectious disease, and strives to get us well again when we do fall ill. Our immune system, like every other system in the body, is coordinated and controlled by the nervous system.
Chiropractors are also aware of the importance of positive health and life style practices such as rest, drinking ample quantities of water, diet, exercise, proper food choices, use of high potency multivitamins and minerals, and stress reduction approaches. These can positively influence the nervous system and immune response.
According to a large study of the chiropractic profession recently conducted by the Institute for social research, Ohio Northern University (McDonald st al.,2003) chiropractors also customarily advise their patients as to the benefits of these other modalities in optimizing overall body function. more importantly, the incidence of colds and flu was reduced by an average of 15% in this large population who were undergoing regular chiropractic care.
There is an anatomical connection between the nervous system and the immune system. Nerve cell endings in the skin and white blood cells of the immune system are in intimate contact, and the chemicals secreted by the nerves can shut down immune system cells nearby. This relationship between the nervous system and the immune system was discovered by modern medicine within the last 20 years. Chiropractic care was started in 1895, and began assisting people in enhancing their immune system about 100 years before research and technology could validate it.
Any person concerned about keeping their family well should add chiropractic care to their list of things to do to remove interference to their nervous system, enhance their immune system function and give their body every extra bit of security it needs.
McNulty Family Chiropractic
932 Copperfield Blvd.
Concord, Nc 28025
704-795-7959
Chiropractic care corrects the spinal abnormalities called vertebral subluxations that result in interference of the nervous system by placing pressure on nerves. Since the nervous system controls all functions of the body, including the immune system, chiropractic care can have a positive effect on immune function.
Since its inception, the chiropractic community has asserted that viruses and microbes don't threaten us all equally and that a healthy immune system easily repels most invaders. The immune system protects us from the flu, as well as any other infectious disease, and strives to get us well again when we do fall ill. Our immune system, like every other system in the body, is coordinated and controlled by the nervous system.
Chiropractors are also aware of the importance of positive health and life style practices such as rest, drinking ample quantities of water, diet, exercise, proper food choices, use of high potency multivitamins and minerals, and stress reduction approaches. These can positively influence the nervous system and immune response.
According to a large study of the chiropractic profession recently conducted by the Institute for social research, Ohio Northern University (McDonald st al.,2003) chiropractors also customarily advise their patients as to the benefits of these other modalities in optimizing overall body function. more importantly, the incidence of colds and flu was reduced by an average of 15% in this large population who were undergoing regular chiropractic care.
There is an anatomical connection between the nervous system and the immune system. Nerve cell endings in the skin and white blood cells of the immune system are in intimate contact, and the chemicals secreted by the nerves can shut down immune system cells nearby. This relationship between the nervous system and the immune system was discovered by modern medicine within the last 20 years. Chiropractic care was started in 1895, and began assisting people in enhancing their immune system about 100 years before research and technology could validate it.
Any person concerned about keeping their family well should add chiropractic care to their list of things to do to remove interference to their nervous system, enhance their immune system function and give their body every extra bit of security it needs.
McNulty Family Chiropractic
932 Copperfield Blvd.
Concord, Nc 28025
704-795-7959
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